The boy's sister went on social media to report what happened, which spurred hundreds of people to take action by inviting the boy to play with them. Some even brought him gifts.

Ty's mother was blown away by the show of support. "I'm so grateful," a choked up Angie Swartout said. "I'm just so grateful because if this wouldn't have happened, we would still be hiding in our house like a lot of families like ours do. And I just can't thank everyone enough."

Swartout says the incident has also caused her to try and spread autism awareness.